Our sustainable technology initiatives have focused on promoting agro-processing technology solutions and fuel-efficient devices to support local community members in rural areas, especially in a few villages of Uttara Kannada in Karnataka. We also promote solar street lights, solar panels and integrated photovoltaic systems in rural areas. These programmes have supported skill development initiatives and contributed to environmental and social benefits.
Domestic Cook-stoves - Traditional cook-stoves have poor thermal efficiency and also lead to a smoky environment in the kitchen, which is a health hazard. We promote energy-efficient three-pan and two-pan cook-stoves in village homes.
Bathwater Stoves - These fuel-efficient devices are popular in villages, mainly for bathing purposes. As compared to the traditional devices, they are more energy efficient as the design allows maximum heat transfer to the container due to increased surface area exposure to the heat.
Stoves for Post-Harvest Operations - We promote agro-processing dryers and jaggery making devices in villages. The dryers are useful to rainy and cloudy days.
Biomass-Based Biogas Devices - We have promoted biogas devices in villages of Uttara Kannada. Agri residues and animal wastes are converted to biogas in biogas plants.
Solar Panels - We have promoted integrated photovoltaic applications in rural areas. Photovoltaic solar panels absorb sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity. A Photovoltaic (PV) module is a connected assembly of photovoltaic solar cells.
Low-Carbon Building Technologies - We promote skill development programmes for energy-efficient and environment-friendly alternative building materials and technologies in rural areas. These are environment-friendly building material. We encourage the utilization of local resources and the use of low-carbon building materials. We promote skill development in the use of innovative rammed earth-based sanitation units.
Skill Development in Green Sector - We promote skill development programmes in eco-friendly and sustainable technologies in an effort towards environmental sustainability. The green sector has the potential to engage young people with a wide range of skills and experiences in areas such as energy efficiency and renewable energy. We have supported workshops and skill development programmes for youth in rural areas on eco-friendly technologies.
Scientific Research Institution: Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science IISc., Bengaluru.
The scientists and experts who were associated with the projects and programmes, from time to time, over the years:
Professor Monto Mani, Professor N. H. Ravindranath, Mr. P.R. Bhat, Mr. H. I. Somashekar.